Mary Allison Ray Foster, 103, widow of Vernon Stephen Foster, died Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at her home in Swansea. Mary was born to James Courtney and Annie Wright Ray in Barton, SC on May 26, 1909. A graduate of Winthrop College, she spent many years teaching in the public schools of South Carolina before retiring from the State Department of Education, where she worked as an administrative assistant.

Mary was an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she had been a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, the United Methodist Women, and the Senior Citizen's Coffee Club. In 2008 she was recognized as the Woman of the Year for Main Street United Methodist Church.

She is survived by nieces, Phyllis Williams (Brent) Hendricks of Swansea and Andrena Ray of Sumter; nephew, John Courtney Ray, Jr. of Ellicott City, MY; great-nephews, Charles David Rickards of Swansea and John Blandon Ray of Eugene, OR; great-niece, Anne Ray of Brooklyn, NY; and great-great-nephew, Stanley Raulerson II of Swansea; step-daughters, Betty Finch, Delores Rogers, Verna Rogers, Ann Bartch, Nancy Johnson, and Molly McDowell. In addition to her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Alice Ray (Charles) Williams; brother and sister-in-law, John Courtney (Andrena) Ray; niece, Alice Ray Manville; and great-niece, Teresa Rickards Raulerson; and step-son, Vernon S. Foster, Jr.

The family would like to thank Janice Kay Barton for care, kindness and love.

The funeral service for Mrs. Foster will be held 3:00 o'clock, Sunday, November 11th, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr, Columbia. The Rev. Joseph Calhoun Watson will officiate. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 2 o'clock. Memorials may be made to Main Street UMC, 1830 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201.